Life In Music, Pictures of Rockstars

I grew up in a musical family. 

My first job, at age twelve, was writing about music for local newspapers and magazines. I started working as a disc jockey at 17, was music director of a big rock and roll radio station in New York at age 19 and have photographed all kinds of concerts and musical events over the course of my career. 

So it’s no wonder that, every so often, we put aside our business headshots and modeling portfolios, put on our rock and roll finery and shoot our world famous Rockstar Sessions. 

Here are some of our most favorite Rockstar pictures along 4 songs we can’t love on enough these days.

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Expectations : “Fear is just a false belief there is nothing you can do.” We’re still a little butt hurt she didn’t respond to our IG message — “we love you Katie!” — but we’re still fans.

Cannonball : Yeah it’s old but it still rocks when you turn the volume to 11.

Please : The 80s except with way better clothes.

Get Happy : Happy dance music laced with inert sarcasm. They must be reading our journal.

Featured Photos - June 2021

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Some of our favorite photographs from the month of June.

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Greta, Authentically

We tell people all the time: it’s not about how you look, it’s about how you are. And Greta is happiness and charm and spirit. Is it any wonder everyone on the team fell in love with her?

Eva, Beautifully

Sometimes portfolio work is about the glamour: the long flowing hair, the beautiful makeup, the great clothes, the sly smile. And we love it all.

Sam and Maddie, In Living Color

This picture, also taken in Newport Beach, was shot from about 2” above the ground, blind (as in, I wasn’t looking through the viewfinder), walking backwards, with my amazing hair and makeup stylist, Christine, preventing me from bumping into everyone around me.

Versula, Spontaneously

I came from a photojournalistic background of news stories and street photography and I’m working to bring that core sensibility back into my portrait and portfolio work. Sometimes it’s as simple as just paying attention.

Kat, Naturally

It’s much easier to say to a subject: “Hey, sit over there and smile.” It’s much more difficult to say: “Hey, walk around, think about the sea, look somewhere else, let me see what’s happening.” The wonderful shot of Kat, taken in Newport Beach is what happens when you have the courage to let things happen.

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See last month’s Featured Photos

Featured Photos - May 2021

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Some of our favorite photographs from the month of May.

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Claire, In The Moment

Photography is about taking everything and distilling it down to something. In portraiture, that something arrives through trust, that the subject will live freely and genuinely in their time and space and the photographer will be there, open, and ready to see it.

Chloe and Mya, Together

As The Rockstar Sessions goes on a short hiatus, this really cool image of two best friends serves as a closing of one chapter and the opening of another. But then life, and friendship are a lot like that.

Torrey, With Spirit

It’s not my place to tell this gentleman’s story but I will share this: he dedicates much of his personal life to helping young people. Getting to meet people like Torrey is as cool as getting to photograph them.

Kyra, Perfectly

This picture, taken on a nondescript sidewalk in a nondescript neighborhood in Portland, demonstrates that fancy settings, cool though they may be, are not necessary to product a stunning image. What is necessary is energy: light energy, human energy.

Mason, Musically

Senior pictures are always fun especially when you’re working with the musically inclined. Conversations of Robert Plant and Jimmy Page and our favorite Zeppelin songs helped us create this cool shoot by the side of the Vancouver Waterfront.

Mia, Living Her Best Life

Just outside this frame is an amazingly cooperative Dad helping to wrangle an amazingly sweet little girl. We always have to be grateful to the people who are willing to help us, right?

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See last month’s Featured Photos

How To Rock Your Headshot Session , Part II

Now that you’ve chosen your photographer and booked your shoot (based on the suggestions we made in part one of this series), it’s time to start preparing for your session.

Map Your Location

Most people save this step for last so we suggest you do it first. Even if you’re familiar with the location, remind yourself where you’re headed so you’re not scrambling around at the last minute.

Prepare Your Wardrobe

If you followed our guidance in Part One of this series and discussed clothing and location with your acting coach, agency and photographer prior to booking your session, this should be a fairly easy step. 

First get some new shirts. It won’t cost a whole lot of money. You’ll look more polished and feel more confident if you’re wearing new gear. Remember to pick colors and styles that fit your agency’s requirements and work well with your eye color and skin tone. When you look in the mirror, you should think: “Boom! I look amazing.”

Then put together a couple or three choices for each look, try them on and send some snaps to your photographer so you’re on the same page. This also helps him plan logistics so your time in front of the camera is 100% focused on capturing the best version of you. If possible, take your snaps outside, in natural light, so the photographer can get an accurate idea of colors.

If you’d like some ideas on what looks great, you can peep our headshot pages.

Dial In Your Hair and Makeup

If you’re doing your own hair and makeup, tell the photographer your plans. Better yet, do your hair and makeup for your wardrobe snaps so he can see it. Get his feedback and ask questions: are there certain colors I should avoid, certain things I should or shouldn’t do? Every photographer is different so be sure you’re communicating.

Drink Some Water, Get Some Sleep

Yes, photographers can (and often do) lighten up those dark circles under your eyes. But Photoshop and a tube of concealer only take you so far. Treat yourself like a star and get plenty of rest the night before your session.

Umm, Map Your Location …

… and plan for unforeseen things like traffic, parades, construction and long lines at the coffee shop. Showing up to your location in a rush never makes for a great session.

Take A Breath

As we said in Part One of this series, your most important marketing tool as an actor is a quality professional headshot. It’s an important element to furthering your career. That said, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Take a deep breath, have fun, be yourself and the results will be great. If you bring a fully present YOU to the proceedings, the very best YOU will shine through.

Check in with us next month for Part Three of this series where we share some inside tips on how to bring that remarkable YOU to your session.

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Michael Verity is a Portland-based photographer specializing in headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors for more than a decade.

Good News and Positive Vibrations

We start out our spring edition of congratulatory hugs and high fives with word that our new friend, Miss Jordyn Sage, recently landed a guest star role on a major new series to be launched on Apple TV.

We can’t give you further details (yet) except to tell you that this booking, which will include 10 days on set in LA, is Jordyn’s very first booking.

We worked with Jordyn on our recent trip to Phoenix, where she’s represented by the Ford/Robert Black Agency. In LA, Jordyn’s with A3 Artists Agency and Dream Talent Management.

A few months back we mentioned that our headshot client, Mary Krantz, was recently cast in a new fan film, The Last Of Us, which shot in Portland in March.

The flick is out now on YouTube and has been well-received, generating over a half-million views in just a couple of weeks. (Note: the content is not made for kids.)

Closer to home, we’re making an appointment every Tuesday night at 10:30 to catch glimpses of a whole bunch of our clients on the new TBS series, Chad.

This week, our long time friend and bestie, Yeshara Ruth, got some serious screen time in the Whiskey Slaps episode. We’ll be doing a new editorial session with Yeshara in just a few weeks!

We’ve also gotten to see our long time headshot client Holden Goyette in both the 2nd (Sword) and 4th (K-Pop) episodes.

Over in the world of commercials, our hearts beat a little faster when we got this message from actor Amina Montesir’s mom: “Amina just did a commercial for (Portland restaurant and purveyor of delicious sauces) Akadi. The director said he had wanted a boy for the spot but he changed his mind when he saw Amina's headshot you did. He said he loved her energy in it!”

Elsewhere, Evie Bertsch flexed her commercial muscles for Nike and Miss Luvli did some work for Hannah Andersson.

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Have some good news and positive vibrations to share? Send us an email here and we’ll shout it from the rooftops.

Featured Photos - April 2021

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Some of our favorite photographs from the month of April.

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Milo, Acrobatically

When you’re a kid, everything and anything can be a monkey bar, even the railing of an apartment complex in downtown Portland. That’s where we captured Milo’s very first portfolio which, as you can tell, was quite the blast.

Pepper, Affectionately

When we came to the end of our headshot session, Isabel (or “Pepper,” as she’s known) wanted to take some pictures with our puppy, Cleo. I included them in her portfolio, just for fun, and her agency chose this as one of her portfolio pictures. So now I’m not only a proud photographer but a proud Doggy Daddy. Lassie, step aside!

Mya Jett, Holding A Guitar

A few months ago, I said “beyond being one of the best athletes I’ve ever met, Mya’s also open to trying all kinds of new things in the studio.” The same is true for this month, as we were inspired by the hair metal bands of the 80s and 90s. Props go to Claire Verity, who blasted off on the wardrobe and consulted on the setting, and stylist Karina Talaro who made Mya look amazing. Party on, Garth!

Claire, Smiling

This picture was taken on the very last day of the month on a boat on Lake Saguaro in Arizona’s Tonto National Forest. Claire is, unequivocally, one of our most favorite subjects and this is, unequivocally, one of our favorite images of her. A candid capture of a beautiful smile is what making pictures is all about.

Effie, Pretty Much Perfectly

Effie came over from the Tri-Cities to work with us on her headshots and this one just jumped out at us. Dynamic, colorful, bright and sharp, engaged and relaxed and all around appealing, it’s the consummate commercial headshot. Props to stylist Karina Talaro for her spot-on hair and makeup work.

Nicole, Crushing It

This picture is an outtake from a college graduation session I did with Nicole a few weeks ago. Nicole modeled for one of our very first editorial sessions — on her 16th birthday, no less — and did her high school senior pictures with us, too. In April, we got to spend some time with her, documenting her graduation from Washington State and her launch into a career as an addiction counselor. A remarkable woman who takes a remarkably beautiful picture, too.

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See last month’s Featured Photos

Featured Photos - March 2021

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Some of our favorite photographs from the month of March.

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JaBryce, Happily

Some people are just a joy to work with. That was the case from the first snap of this kind and spirited young actor. We talked about all kinds of things and, at some point, I must’ve said something funny because this is as genuine as a smile can be.

Chanel, Sassily

Is “sassily” a word? If not, we’re inventing it to describe this little miss who rocked the camera at her very first portfolio session. Props to Mom, too, who rounded out her wardrobe with a smashing pink velour track suit and a fuzzy pink dress. Sassy, indeed.

Bethany, Perfectly

One of four acting sisters in a super-creative and intelligent family, Bethany is the kind of kid who just shines in front of the camera. No monkeyshines at work here, though. She’s too smart for that. Just a pleasant conversation, a few smiles and one of the very best headshots in a month full of headshots.

Hannah a la Marilyn

Hardly a month goes by that we don’t feature at least one image of Hannah. And for good reason. How gorgeous is this image, inspired by Marilyn Monroe and updated for today? The beautiful tones of this picture were created using the “white box” technique made famous by Richard Avedon: a white wall behind her (turned slightly blue for effect), white V-flats on each side, a white card below and a big white soft box above makes for perfection in camera.

Featured Photos - February 2021

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Some of our favorite photographs from the month of February.

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Nicolette, Perfectly

I could be wrong but this image of Nicolette, from her very first photo session, is the perfect example of what to look for in an actor’s headshot. Beautifully lit and perfectly framed, it’s warm and engaging and accessible. I wasn’t surprised at all when she told me, at the end of the session, that she totally enjoys being in front of the camera.

Hannah, Masterfully

Hannah is one of the first people I photographed when I ventured into this type of photography over a decade ago. So this image, shot in my studio just a few days ago, has a lot of sentimental value in addition to being a pretty snazzy picture. I’ve watched Hannah grow into an amazing young woman, both in real life and in pictures, and that does my heart good.

Mya Jett, Leaping Tall Buildings

Beyond being one of the best athletes I’ve ever met, Mya’s also open to trying all kinds of new things in the studio. This image, inspired by a kickboxing advertisement, includes a lot of elements we’ve never used before: boxing gloves, black velvet curtains and gigantic lights in strange locations. As an artist, you have to try new things and take chances. It’s always fun when the pictures comes out cool.

Ella, Classically

A successful actor and model since she was just a wee lass, Miss Ella brought a sense of professionalism and composure to her session that’s rare for a kid of her age. I had fun creating this image from her recent portfolio session, shot from above with a 35mm lens, with a single studio strobe to her immediate left and a touch of classic black and white in post-production.

Mya, In Retro

This past weekend we launched our very first Retro Session, a new event combining classic fashion with retro photography elements. Like the photo of Ella above, this was taken with 35mm lens and the same single strobe, to Mya’s immediate left. I love this picture as much as I love this kid, who’s been a client of mine for many years.

Jamie a la Vivien Leigh

This image was inspired by a friend of Jamie’s Mom who pointed out her striking resemblance to Vivien Leigh. That was all the inspiration we needed to connect with our friend Alisa at Most Everything Vintage and make this beauty picture, one of four looks we did in this session.

Good News and Positive Vibrations

Let’s start with some big props for Sophie Jones, the highly regarded independent film that was shot in Portland and opened both in theaters and online this week.

Distributed by Oscilloscope Laboratories and “inspired by true experiences of grief, girlhood, and growing up,” Sophie Jones has won several excellent reviews and been included in a number of prestigious film festivals. A special shout out to our friends, family and clients — Skyler Verity (Zuri Agency), Tristan Decker, Natalie Shershow and Hannah Sapitan — for their part in this project.

Take a look below at the trailer then go here to watch the film online. (In addition to watching the film via this link, it’s also available via Amazon Prime and Apple.)

Sending out some big love to two of our clients, Mary Krantz and Rollyn Stafford, for their recent on-set successes.

Mary’s been cast in a fan film based on the popular video game The Last of Us. She’ll be on set when the crew lands in Portland next week. You can peep the production’s IG (here) or their Indiegogo (here) for more information.

Zombie Walk is the name of Rollyn’s most recent project. It’s been selected to appear at four film festivals and recently won Best Horror Film at the Oregon Short Film Festival. Next week, it’ll be screening at the Portland International Film Festival drive-in right before Children of Men and The Matrix.

Congratulations are in order for two of our long time clients, Alex Jarmon and Jack Poole (both of Ryan Artists), on their appearances in the recently released film, Young Hearts. Also on that project were our friends Austin Leo and Raqi Brown.

Over in the world of commercials, three of our kid clients have booked some nice projects over the past few months. Sisters Akina and Zendaya (Ryan Artists) have scored 3 photo shoots and commercial while our long time bestie, Drake Maul (Zuri Agency), just wrapped a Pemco commercial.

A big shout-out to our longtime client and good friend, Cherish Hales (Zuri Agency), who’s been bulking up her acting resume like a boss. Along with spots on the Netflix film, All Together Now, she’s worked on Shrill, Trinkets and the upcoming TBS series, Chad.

Last, but not least, a tip of the hat to our headshot clients, Amelia Anderson and Becca McCormick, who recently signed with the Zuri Agency.

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Have some good news and positive vibrations to share? Send us an email here and we’ll shout it from the rooftops.

How To Rock Your Headshot Session, Part I

Ask any successful actor what is his most important marketing tool and he’ll tell you it’s a quality professional headshot. 

It’s your calling card. It shows you’re serious about your career. It shows casting directors what you look like and, when done right, tells directors and producers a little bit about who you are. In this first of three articles, we talk about where to start on your journey to creating the perfect headshot.

Go Pro

As New York-based acting coach Matt Newton said in his excellent Backstage.com article on headshots, you should “go to a professional who is trained, understands lighting, and takes headshots for a living, not some friend who happens to have a decent camera who ‘sorta knows a little about photography.’” You wouldn’t ask your dentist to fix your car; don’t ask your barista to do your headshots.

Ask For Recommendations

If you’re signed with an agency, ask them for recommendations. They’ll have a list of photographers they trust. If you’re taking acting classes, ask your coach. Peep your friends headshots and, if you see something you like, ask who took them. 

While talking with your agency or acting coach, ask for guidance on what setting will work best for you. In studio with a bright colored background? On location in a more environmental style? Also ask what kinds and colors of clothing they prefer. Most agencies are happy with a bright, primary color for your commercial look and earth tones for your theatrical look but everyone has their own preferences.

Look At Pictures and Trust Your Instincts

Search the internet for “acting headshots in [your town].” Every reputable photographer in your area should have a portfolio of his or her work for you to review. Look at a lot of pictures and pay attention to how your feel. If you see pictures that energize and excite you, that photographer might be a good choice for you.

Fourth: Know What You’re Buying

Headshot sessions come in all shapes and sizes. When comparing packages and prices, here are some important questions to ask:

How many looks (outfits) will you shoot and in what styles? Most working actors have 2 or 3 looks in their portfolio: a commercial shot, a theatrical shot and, if applicable, a character shot (e.g., the zany sidekick, the grizzly professor, etc.)

How many proofs will I get from which to choose my final images? Unless you have 500 unique facial expressions, you don’t need to see 500 proofing images. Ten to 20 solid images per look is plenty; much more than that and they’ll all start looking the same. 

How many finished images do I get? One or two final images per look, with the option to purchase extras, makes for a solid headshot portfolio.

Will the final images be edited or retouched? There’s a big difference between editing and retouching. Knowing the difference is important. Check out our article on “Editing v. Retouching” here.

Have A Phone Conversation

A good old fashioned phone conversation will tell you a lot about the person with whom you’ll be shooting. Is the photographer upbeat and excited to talk with you? Is she interested in you or just interested in selling some images? Is he connected with the industry or are acting headshots just another product on his menu? Is he willing to answer your questions and give you guidance? Ten minutes on the phone will tell you a lot.

Be Willing To Spend A Little Money

The difference between a $75 headshot (taken by your barista) and a $300 headshot (taken by a professional) is huge. With a professional, you’ll have a better experience, feel more confident, get better images and show the industry you’re a fully invested professional who means business. Mind your budget but don’t cheat yourself.

Check in next month for Part Two of our series where we’ll show you how to prepare for your headshot session.

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Michael Verity is a Portland-based photographer specializing in headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors for more than a decade.

Featured Photos - January 2021

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Some of our favorite photographs from the month of January.

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Piper, Running Free

Our studio is located on 11 beautiful acres, right next to a 100 acre wildlife preserve. So there’s plenty of space to run about once you’re done shooting your headshots or portfolio. And, since we never put the camera down, we often catch our beautiful kids doing what they do best: running, playing and generally loving life.

Jamie, Mysteriously

At the end of our Rockstar Session a few weeks ago, I asked Jamie if she’d like to experiment with a new lighting idea (the classic “model-in-the-headlights” look). Amidst the many beautiful images that we captured was this incredible portrait. As with Piper, sometimes the shoot after the shoot is the best part of the shoot.

Katy, Rockstar

This picture was also taken at our latest Rockstar Session a few weeks back. The pure versatility of this delightful actor and model, who can transform from high school kid to rockstar lioness in a matter of minutes, makes her one of our favorite subjects. That she’s about as humble as can be just makes it all that better.

Emily, Naturally

Emily’s an actor whose day job allows her to work from just about anywhere in the country. So she dropped into our studio about 20 minutes before leaving for a year-long acting and modeling adventure in Los Angeles. A consummately natural beauty, she simply sat before the camera and delivered some amazingly beautiful headshots.

Mallorie a la Audrey

The inspiration for this image was pretty simple: we looked at the pictures Richard Avedon made of Audrey Hepburn during the 1950s and asked: “How can we do something like that?” We lay no claim to being photographic masters but we think this is a pretty special portrait of a very special person.

Shooting Stars: Pop Star!

Model: Mya Van Koten

Inspiration: Along with being a seasoned model and an excellent actor, Mya is a supremely talented singer. We’ve done a couple editorial sessions with her over the past few years, all built around a musical theme. This one, called “Pop Star,” just made perfect sense.

Creative Brief: Contemporary pop fashion on a simple palette of pure white, to show off Mya’s beauty (and some pretty fabulous clothes).

How many shoots we’ve done together: We’ve been shooting with Mya for several years: headshots, portfolios, editorials and at the beach. My best guess is we’ve shot, maybe, 15 or 20 times since we met.

Time of year: Winter

Location: In our studio in Vancouver, WA.

Purpose of the shoot: For publication in LaBelle Kidz and Teens, an international youth fashion magazine.

Shoot music: 90s hip-hop (the clean versions!) and current pop music, of course.

Most unexpected turn: To be completely honest, I tipped over one of my new studio strobes the night before the shoot and broke the bulb. Unfortunately, you can’t replace those at Walmart so I had to scramble a little to set up the lighting. Luckily I had backups — always have backups! — and the session went off without a hitch.

My favorite part of the day: Mya is one of the sweetest people we know, always fun to have around and a consummate professional. So any time we get to shoot with her, we know it’s going to be a good day. More specifically, though, I loved shooting the outfit above. The whole look came together so perfectly.

Camera: Sony A7rIII

Lens: Sigma 105mm f1.4

Lighting: One Godox AD200 Pro as the main light with 2 Godox AD600 Pros lighting the back. You can learn more about shooting with a pure white background by reading this article.

Team:

Talent: Mya Van Koten (Instagram)

Creative Director and Photographer: Michael Verity (Instagram)

Fashion Editor: Carson Verity (Website)

Wardrobe Stylist: Claire Verity

Hair and Makeup Stylist: Karina Talaro (Instagram)

Chariot Driver and Mom Extraordinaire: Carolyn Van Koten

Good News and Positive Vibrations

We kick off 2021 with congratulations to two of our clients, Amina Montesir and Brent McMorris. We met both of them through the kind recommendation of Katie O’Grady at The Studio NW and Acting for Kids and Teens and they’ve since signed with the Zuri Agency. Congratulations Amina and Brent!

Speaking of Katie O’Grady, we plead “mea culpa” for being so slow to share this wonderful piece she directed. It was created this past fall as an inspiration to get out and vote. It remains a powerful message today so we’re happy to pass it along with shoutouts to the young actors who participated, many of whom have worked with us over the years.

We’re super excited to shoutout some congratulations to Ryan Artists talent Darius Fox for his recent appearance in this commercial for Osmo Learning.

Over the holidays, we had the chance to connect again with actor Devin White. He took the headshots we did for him and made his way down to LA where he’s worked on more than a half dozen films over the past few years. Check out his website and reel here.

We’re just making a picture of Zuri talent Tracey Hugo a permanent part of our website. Every month she seems to book a new gig. Most recently, she filmed educational videos for Star Autism (on location at The Studio NW, by the way). She also celebrated a birthday this month so Happy Birthday, Tracey!

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We’re proud to say “congratulations” to Jessie Barr and everyone involved in the film, Sophie Jones, which was recently picked up for distribution by Oscilloscope Films. We don’t mind sending an extra bit of congratulations to Skyler Verity, who’s headshots we’ve been shooting for a good long time.

Last but not least, we wish happy January birthdays to three of our favorite people: actor Mya Van Koten (SLU Agency); our good friend and businesswoman, Sonia Bhagwan; and our ace hair and makeup stylist and all-around bestie, Karina Talaro (who’s also represented by SLU). Happy Birthday!

Have some good news and positive vibrations to share? Send us an email here and we’ll shout it from the rooftops.

What's Next in 2021?

A few days ago we celebrated 13 years of creating beautiful and authentic pictures of Portland’s creative community. Thank YOU!

Here’s a sneak peek into what we have planned for 2021.

Headshots

It’s what we do most and what we like best: helping actors, models and creatives be successful. We’re practicing some snazzy new lighting techniques we’ll be launching this spring.

Portfolios

The months long process of remodeling our studio is (almost) complete and with it comes new lighting and new set pieces for winter portfolios. 

Fashion Editorial

When we started doing kid’s fashion editorials three years ago, we had no idea the enthusiasm we’d meet from our clients and the publishing world. Our streak of 18 straight published editorials continued this past fall and there’s no stopping us in 2021. Our goal is to travel a little more around the beautiful Pacific Northwest, maybe to Seattle or even B.C.

The Rockstar Sessions

“Rockstar” is another idea that’s taken off since it was launched three years ago and the sky’s the limit. Or at the very least we’ll emulate everything Annie Leibovitz has done since the late 70s.

The Retro Sessions

A brand new event we’ll be launching in January, inspired by the classic imagery of the 60s and 70s music, entertainment and fashion industries. First up: a black and white tribute to Richard Avedon.

Here’s to ’21!

My Favorite Photo Book Finds of 2020

The challenges of 2020 haven’t undermined my semi-addictive love for collecting art and photography books. Though I miss the in-store-hanging-out-with-my-wife-and-a-cup-of-coffee experience, I’ve added to my collection quite handily by supporting independent bookstores around the country. Here are a few of my favorite purchases of 2020.

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Annie Leibovitz - American Music

Considering the influence rock and roll photography has on my images, it’s surprising this one is just now landing in my collection. From front to back, it’s pure inspiration. My favorites are the spontaneous jam session shot of Charlie Sexton and Doyle Bramhall II (which inspired our last Rockstar Session) and the deliciously devilish Tom Waits attacking the Hammond organ. A must have that I now have.

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Peter Lindbergh - On Fashion Photography

When I was in New York 18 months ago, I saw a whole array of Peter Lindbergh books at the 5th Avenue Barnes & Noble. If it weren’t for the travails of transportation — how many extra suitcases can I manage? — I would’ve bought them all.

Then he passed away last fall and, as you’d imagine, his books became hard to find and very expensive. Recently the people at Better World Books have come to the rescue and now three of his volumes are now in my collection.

This is my favorite, a gigantic compendium including many of his most famous photos, shot for virtually every major fashion house on the planet. Beyond the obvious beauty of the super models — Kate Moss for Marc Jacobs is exquisite — there are less obvious treats like the candid of John Malkovich applying mascara during a shoot for Miuccia Prada.

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Richard Avedon - Photographs 1946-2004

This book was published in August 2007 by the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art for a retrospective that opened that same month. It’s not a book that’s new to me; it’s been on my library card many times over the last decade.

Now it’s on my coffee table, thanks to Godfather’s Books in Astoria, OR, where I found a freshly sealed copy for just $70. There was a sublime dynamism to Avedon’s work that will, no doubt find it’s way into my pictures somehow. My favorites are the standing-still portrait of David Bowie and the flying-through-the-air fashion photo of Verushka.

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Serge Normant - Metamorphosis

Serge Normant is not a photographer. He’s a hairstylist who’s worked with every major photographer, fashion brand and magazine on the planet. What’s cool about this book is the diversity of styles and range of photographers who are included. My favorites are the stunningly simple portrait of a young Reese Witherspoon by Herb Ritts, the cover image of Julia Roberts and an off-the-charts photo of Gisele Bundchen created by Patrick DeMarchelier.

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Gruau - Portraits of Men

Before photographers dominated magazines, illustrators were the rockstars of the fashion world. Rene Gruau (who was born Count Renato Zavagli Ricciardelli della Caminate) was one such illustrator. Born in 1909, he was a published professional by the time he was 18 years old and worked well into his 80s.

This book, published by Assouline, compiles some of his most dynamic work, from 1950s covers of long-retired men’s culture magazines to advertising images he created for the likes of Dior and Bemberg in the 1970s and 80s.

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Support Independent Bookstores!

I’m not here to slag on the Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I buy from them on a regular basis. But let’s not forget the heartbeat of the American book trade: the independent bookstore. They need our support more than ever. Please buy from these stores. Click on the name to get to their website.

Powell’s World of Books, Portland, OR

The Tattered Cover, Denver, CO

Strand Books, New York, NY

BookPeople, Austin, TX

Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA

For books about arts and culture, specifically, there are a few great publishers who sell online including Assouline and Taschen.

Our Favorite Photos of 2020

Sometimes it was the shoot, sometimes it was the shot, sometimes it was how it all came together. Here are a few of our favorite photos of 2020:

Mallorie Mendoza’s Spirit

Portland, January 2020

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Claire Dailey’s Rock and Roll

Phoenix, February 2020

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Sister Dancers at the Beach

Seaside, July 2020

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Mya Brown Takes The “L”

Cannon Beach, August 2020

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Piper’s Big Adventure

Portland, September 2020

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Malina Bhagwan’s Rebel Yell

Portland, September 2020

Rain Boots and a Sun Dress by the Inimitable Lana Sage

Portland, August 2020

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The Runaway by Jamie Mack

Cannon Beach, August 2020

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Avery Starr’s Rockstar Session

Vancouver, October 2020

Hannah Loyd’s Spontaneous Beauty

Cannon Beach, 2020

Your Favorite Stories of 2020

You’re all about good news and positive vibrations. Our recent series of articles about the successes of our clients are the most widely read stories on our blog. (You can see our latest Good Vibes and Positive Vibrations report HERE.) After that, you loved information, ideas and a little bit of sunshine.

Here are your three favorite stories from our blog in 2020:

Your Most Favorite Story: Edited v. Retouched

When it comes to comparing prices for photography, knowing the difference between “editing” and “retouching” will save you time and money and insure you get the right images for your portfolio. If you missed the article when we published it a few months ago, you can catch up on the differences between “editing” and “retouching” HERE.

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Your Second Most Favorite Story: 3 Great Portfolio Places in Portland

Though a good photographer can make a great picture just about anywhere, a great photographer knows how to beautifully blend light and location for the perfect picture.

In 2021, we’ll be adventuring into a lot of new and different places. In the meantime, HERE are 3 neighborhoods we’ve found to be particularly fabulous right here and now.

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Your Third Most Favorite Story: Sunshine and Blue Skies

Beautiful people of all shapes, sizes and colors sharing one thing in common: a love of sun, sand and surf. And music. You can find it all HERE.

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Michael Verity Photography specializes in headshots, portfolios and fashion editorial for kids, teens and adults. Send us an EMAIL for more information on how to book your session.

Refresh Your Face for a Better Headshot

So you’ve picked your photographer and you’ve scheduled your headshot. In the week or two ahead, you’ll pick out your wardrobe, map out the route to the shooting location, drink lots of water and get lots of sleep. Is there anything else you need to do? Yes! Prepare your skin! 

“The best way to prep your skin for a shoot is to get help from a professional,” says internationally published hair and makeup artist, Karina Talaro. “If you can, make an appointment to get a moisturizing facial a week before your shoot.” If you can’t schedule an appointment — or prefer to do it yourself — then do these two important things:

1. Exfoliate. 

“I recommend you exfoliate 2 or 3 times during week before your photoshoot,” says Karina. “Exfoliation exposes fresh, healthy skin by removing dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin.”

One of Karina’s favorite exfoliating cleansers is Origins GINZING Refreshing Scrub Cleanser, a 100% vegetarian formula made with Panax Ginseng and “caffeine from coffee beans.”

If the $23 price tag for a 5 oz. tube of GINZING is outside your budget, Karina suggests Neutrogena’s Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser, which you can find at most drug stores for around $8 or $9 for a 7-ounce tube.

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2. Moisturize

“The next most important step is to moisturize daily,” adds Karina. “Moisturizing boosts hydration and it will ensure your skin glows on camera. If you aren’t already using a daily moisturizer, grab a hypoallergenic moisturizer with no fragrances to insure you don’t have an allergic reaction.”

Clinique’s Moisture-Surge formula, which can be found at retailers like Ulta, is one of Karina’s favorites because it “gives your skin instant rehydration and leaves it plump and dewy.” For the more economically-minded, she recommends Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel.

Once you try these two easy steps, Karina recommends making them part of your daily or weekly regimen. “Exfoliating and moisturizing for a week will certainly freshen your face for a better headshot but, as with everything worthwhile, a long term commitment will always make for better results.”

Common sense reminder: if you have allergies or other skin conditions that require a doctor’s care, check with them before trying any of these suggestions!

Have your own favorite skin care regimen? Drop us a comment and share it with us.

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Karina Talaro is an internationally published hair and makeup stylist, an expert on health and beauty and accomplished schedule-juggling Mom of two beautiful daughters. In addition to working extensively with Michael Verity Photography, she designs bridal hair and makeup throughout the Pacific Northwest. You can see her work here.

More Good News and Positive Vibrations

As we wrap a bow around 2020, we remain excited for our clients who continue to work and create.

The incomparable Jamie Mack (left, Ryan Artists) will be acting the role of Helen in Northwest Children’s Theater’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Digital access to all four episodes, through December 6, can be found here.

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Word is out that our longtime client Cameron Wake (Brilliant Talent, Zuri Agency) has been working on a highly anticipated Netflix film that’s been shooting in Portland this fall.

Two of our most talent clients, Cherish Hales and Jordyn Brown, get virtual hugs from us as they join the talented agents at Zuri Agency.

We’re sending out big applause to Zuri talent Mimi Plawner and Piper Evenhus, both whom booked commercials and Ryan Artists’ child models Mia, Braeden and Blakely (below) all get big hugs for their recent photoshoot bookings.

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Zuri talent Tracey Hugo is on a roll. She recently worked on not one but two car commercials. You can take a peek at her work on her Instagram.

Congratulations go out to the remarkable Miss Lana Sage, who recently signed with Zuri Agency AND won Lakewood Theater’s Rising Star Artist Award.

Last but certainly not least, we send propers to a whole bunch of our clients who are working on the upcoming Eastside Theater Company production of Anne of the Green Gables. Among our clients whom you’ll see during their streaming performance this February are Amanda Bjorklund, Bailey Dick, Bethany Bjorklund, Carter Jayme, Eva Bjorklund, Evie Bertsch, Ezra Johnson, Kaden Jayme and Sidra Mallon-Cohen.

Have some good news to share about someone working in the industry? Click here or visit our contact page and drop us a line.

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Sunshine and Blue Skies

Summer’s never quite over when you have great pictures and fun memories of shooting in the sun, sand and surf. Here are 15 beautiful pictures (and 15 summer songs) to keep you warm as sweater weather comes our way.

“Listen To The Music”

“Ventura Highway”

“Girls in Their Summer Clothes”

“All Summer Long”

“Dancing In The Moonlight”

“Walking On Sunshine”

“Grazing In The Grass”

“Summer in the City”

“Blue Skies”

“Summer Breeze”

“Dance, Dance, Dance”

“Me & Julio Down By The Schoolyard”

“You Bring The Summer”

“Summertime Blues”

“Don’t Worry Baby”

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